Phillies set to promote ex-Blue Jays switch-hitting OF to replace Otto Kemp

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Phillies set to promote ex-Blue Jays switch-hitting OF to replace Otto Kemp originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Philadelphia Phillies, coming off a three-game sweep of the San Diego Padres, are trending in the right direction. But there's still plenty of room for improvement.

One of the ways to improve the roster would be to add a star right-handed batter, but such a move, if it happens at all, is months away. Instead, the Phillies can improve the depth chart right now by adjusting their bench.

Otto Kemp has struggled mightily for the Phillies this season, and according to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, the Phillies are going to replace him for the Los Angeles Dodgers series by promoting a former Toronto Blue Jays switch-hitting outfielder with good speed and defense.

Phillies to promote ex-Blue Jays OF to replace Otto Kemp​

"The Phillies optioned Otto Kemp to triple-A, Lehigh Valley, team sources told The Athletic," Gelb reports. "They are expected to add Steward Berroa, a switch-hitting outfielder, to the active roster."

This is an interesting roster move for the Phillies. Kemp was a decent player last season for the Phillies, but couldn't stick in the Majors this season, and now he is being sent down for the second time.

Expected to take his place is Berroa, a 26-year-old outfielder who has previously played in the Major Leagues during the 2024 and 2025 seasons, with the Blue Jays and Milwaukee Brewers, respectively.

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Berroa had a .167 batting average and a .504 OPS across 42 at-bats in his MLB career so far. He was released, claimed by the Phillies off waivers, and will now get his chance in the Majors again as a bench option.

With his elite speed and quality defense, he will be a nice late-game substitution or pinch-runner if needed, while also being a decent depth option for a spot start here and there.

This season for the Phillies in Triple-A, Berroa has a .761 OPS in 38 games with four home runs, 20 RBIs, 25 walks, nine stolen bases, and a .250 batting average.

Berroa replacing Kemp is an interesting roster move, and one that will give the Phillies a fun switch-hitting option off the bench who also will bring solid defense and base running to the Majors.

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